Give Blood: American Red Cross needs your help
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For many of us, this Thanksgiving and holiday season will give us renewed reasons to be thankful for our health, or surviving another year without a major crisis or medical emergency. For others, the challenges may be greater. Perhaps an accident or illness has left them in need of blood or blood products -- and they are counting on donors just like you.
The American Red Cross depends on blood donors to be able to keep up the supply to those in need, but the holiday season can also mean people are busier, perhaps less likely to think about scheduling an appointment to give.
That's why the organization looks for partnerships that might encourage donors to free up a little time. This season, the Red Cross is working with Wheel of Fortune to give every donor between Nov. 23 and Dec. 6 a Red Cross/Wheel of Fortune oversized mug and entry into a drawing for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles for a taping of the show.
Local opportunities to give include: 1:30-6 p.m. today at Mineral Wells Baptist Church, 1569 Elizabeth Pike, Mineral Wells; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 13, 20, 27 and Dec. 4 at the American Red Cross-Parkersburg, 3210 Dudley Ave., Parkersburg; 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Belpre Medical Campus-Memorial Health System, 807 Farson St., Belpre; and 1-6 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 3 at Grand Central Mall.
"Donors of all blood types -- especially those with type O blood -- are urged to make an appointment to donate now," the Red Cross said in a news release.
In fact, the need is so desperate, the organization is also offering free A1C testing for donors in November -- National Diabetes Awareness Month, too.
If you are willing and able -- be thankful for that -- and consider giving blood this season. Yes, the incentives are nice, but knowing you may have saved a life, or at the very least, improved someone's health, is all the gift you'll need.